Learning about recruitment trends
It makes sense to follow the latest in industry trends and advice from other human resources companies, both in the energy industry and beyond. Sometimes these articles have interesting points that are worth sharing. Other times there will be things that we disagree with. Either way, we all need to keep our fingers on the pulse.
After spending some time researching recently, I have read some beneficial articles about the steps to take to improve your career prospects.
I came across one article that surprised me.
Resume VS social media
In one helpful article, we can find out some real statistics from Kelly Services on how hiring managers research candidates. Interestingly, their surveys showed that only 9% look at social media when reviewing candidates. Only 2% prefer a personal website, and 1% have a preference for LinkedIn over the traditional resume.
Does this mean that we have been banging the wrong drum here at Natrespro? We often recommend that you spend more time on social media and update your profiles.
Fortunately, our advice is vindicated because the article makes it clear that there is a strong consensus among the scientific community about the benefits of using social media.
Here is a quote from the article:
The majority of scientific professionals surveyed by Kelly® (70 percent) say social media is their primary method of networking, and 37% use their social media networks when making career or employment decisions. Add to this the fact that employee or industry referrals are top ways hiring managers find talent, and it's clear that social media is a vitally important tool for establishing and building relationships with your peers and industry leaders.
The title of the article was 'Résumé Versus Social Media: What do Hiring Managers Really Check?' I wondered whether that might not have been the best title to use. Versus means, there is an implied conflict when resumes and social media work together to help you increase your chances of getting that new role.
Your resume/CV is the most crucial tool in your job hunting efforts. We see a reasonably high percentage submitted to us with out-of-date or unnecessary information. It can take a few hours and some back and forth emails to get the accurate information ready to pass on to a hiring company.
Once your CV is rectified, then what? This task might take a few hours. Also, you need to work through all the other necessary steps to put yourself in a good position. One of these steps involves your social media presence.
So in the battle to get a job, perhaps your sword (resume) is the most important. You will want a shield, helmet and armour and some functional walking boots if possible too. You want to be fully prepared and equipped.
In practical terms, here is a list of things that you can do to maximise your chances, you can:
- Create or update your social media presence and personal blog
- Start to visit all the places online that cover job vacancies and job searches
- Continue your education, both formal and informal
- Be prepared to put the hours in, just as if you were working on a challenging contract
- Join online events and courses
- Start exercising
- Quit alcohol
- Read self-help/philosophy books
- Cut personal expenses etc.
- NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK
Alright, you don't need to give up alcohol or exercise too hard. We offered just a short (incomplete) list to give you some suggestions or ideas moving forward.
Then, when the next perfect job vacancy comes up, it will be met by you at your very best — a finely tuned and optimised candidate with no chinks in your armour whatsoever.
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